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The Lead Swedish-Egyptian film-maker Tarik Saleh has long been a brilliant satirist of the corruption and shabby political compromises and conspiracies of post-Mubarak Egypt. Now he brings us the third of his “Cairo trilogy”, after The Nile Hilton Incident in 2017 and Cairo Conspiracy in 2022. This new film is a seductive black-comic political thriller set in Egypt of the present day, showing us that everyone in the glamorous world of the movies, infatuated as they are with made-up stories acted out by narcissists believing in their own publicity, can so easily be pressed into the service of political propaganda. The Event Details The result is a rackety, despairing, funny film with something of Billy Wilder, or István Szabó’s Mephisto, or Bertolucci’s fascism parable The Conformist. For me, it also had echoes of Daniel Kehlmann’s novel The Director, about 1930s Austrian movie director GW Pabst, fatally tempted by the blandishments of Goebbels. Saleh’s lead is his longtime leading man Fares Fares, playing an ageing Egyptian movie star; this is pampered matinee idol George Fahmy, a man comfortable doing cheesy crowd-pleasing potboilers, now bullied into playing the lead in a sinister government-sponsored biopic of the president (with news footage of the current president, Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, cheekily cut in). The Character Analysis Fares’s gaunt, handsome face so eloquently conveys vanity, but also a poignant emotional woundedness, anxiety and self-pity. George is notionally a Coptic Christian, which has made him an object of suspicion for the government, though he is hardly pious, and is separated from his wife (Donia Massoud) and grownup son Ramy (Suhaib Nashwan). The Impact Analysis It is at one of these events that a general smoothly assures the company that western bigots, who wish to efface Arab achievements, are in a conspiracy to conceal the fact that William Shakespeare was from the Arabic world and his name was “Sheikh Zoupir” – which explains, he adds, why he disliked Jews. This is an unimprovable bit of satirical mischief in Saleh’s script. George flies high with his eagles before a horrible and sickening descent. The Prediction Eagles of the Republic is in UK and Irish cinemas from 22 May.

Sardar Azmoun, Iran's second‑leading scorer, posted an emotional message on social media after being left out of coach Amir Ghalenoei's preliminary World Cup 2026 squad, declaring his unwavering love for his country and wishing the team success.Azmoun’s Heartfelt Social Media Message Amid Squad OmissionThe 31‑year‑old striker wrote that many misunderstandings have led to premature judgments about him, referencing earlier accusations of disloyalty after a photo with Dubai’s ruler. He emphasized his pride in representing Iran, his Turkmen heritage, and his commitment to the fans, especially children in remote towns.Statistical Snapshot: Azmoun’s International Record57 goals in 91 appearances for IranPart of Iran’s last two World Cup finals squadsSecond‑leading scorer in the nation’s historyThese numbers underscore his on‑field importance despite the current exclusion.Potential Ripple Effects on Iran’s World Cup CampaignAzmoun’s public affirmation may bolster fan morale and counteract narratives of disloyalty that have circulated in Iranian media. However, his absence could affect the attacking depth of a squad that will face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the United States, placing greater pressure on forwards like Mehdi Taremi.What Lies Ahead for Team Melli and AzmounTeam Melli continues its preparation at a training camp in Turkey, with travel to the U.S. slated for early June. While Azmoun remains sidelined for the tournament, his message may influence future selection decisions and highlights the broader conversation about ethnic minorities and national identity in Iranian sport.

The Symbolic SummitThe hopes and dreams of Palestinian children from Gaza have reached the top of the world as a kite bearing their handwritten messages was carried to the summit of Mount Everest by a team of mountaineers. The group summited the world's highest peak at 10:48am local time (05:03 GMT) on Thursday, Jordanian Palestinian mountaineer Mostafa Salameh, who was spearheading the expedition but did not summit, confirmed in a social media post.The Humanitarian MissionA team of Nepali Sherpas – led by Italian filmmaker and explorer Leonardo Avezzano – carried the kite to ensure that the dreams of children in the besieged Strip could make it "to the top of the world", Salameh told Al Jazeera from the Everest base camp last week. The 56-year-old climber launched this expedition to raise $10m towards medical aid for children in the Strip and draw global attention towards the difficulties they have faced during the Israeli genocide in Gaza.A Personal Connection to Palestine"After months of preparation, sacrifice, training, fear, hope, prayers, and carrying the weight of a message much bigger than themselves… the kite carrying the dreams of the children of Gaza is now flying above the highest point on Earth," Salameh said in a video posted to Instagram. "From the rubble and pain of Gaza … to the roof of the world. A dream refused to die," he wrote in the caption.The Climbers' JourneySalameh, who has previously summited Everest, stayed at the first base camp due to frostbite and a blood clot in his left hand. "Tonight, at 8,848 metres (29,029 feet) in the death zone where every step feels like a battle between life and exhaustion, Leonardo carried that kite with courage, heart, and purpose," Salameh added. "I am so proud of my brother Leonardo for believing in this mission and for carrying the voices, names, hopes, and dreams of children who deserve to be seen by the world."The Explorer's LegacySalameh is one of 20 people to have completed the Explorer's Slam – the accomplishment of reaching the North and South poles and climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents. He has summited Everest four times, the first being in 2008, the year he was honoured with knighthood by King Abdullah II of Jordan. "What I do best is climb mountains," he told Al Jazeera in an interview last week from the base camp. "I did promise lots of people in my life not to go back to Everest, but this is worth it. As a mountaineer, what I can do is bring the story and suffering of every Palestinian child all the way to the top of the world."From Darkness to LightSalameh acknowledged the immense risks – including death – that come with scaling Mount Everest at 8,000 metres with only 15 percent oxygen, but insisted it was "absolutely nothing" compared with what the Palestinians in Gaza have endured. "This time is very personal for me," Salameh said in another video. "This one hits home for the child in me, because I know what it feels like to be a child at a refugee camp, and I feel for the children of Gaza and what they go through."The Path ForwardSalameh said the "mission [was] not accomplished yet" since summiting Everest was only the halfway point; returning to base camp safely was the next goal for Leonardo and his team. "Tonight, the kite flies above Everest; tonight, the dreams of Gaza touched the sky," Salameh said, ending the video with a chant of "Free, Free Palestine". He emphasised that the summit was not only about climbing a mountain but about humanity, hope, and proving that "even from darkness, something beautiful can still rise into the sky."

Executive Summary: A Block of Empty Flats and Unyielding TenantsIn a striking illustration of the UK housing crunch, a 20‑storey tower block in London has 164 of its homes sealed off while a small group of residents continues to occupy their units. The council’s attempts to clear the building have met with legal challenges and community push‑back, raising questions about how authorities manage vacant social housing.The Block’s Current State: 164 Boarded‑Up Units and a Few HoldoutsLocation: South‑East London, council‑owned tower block built in the 1970s.Vacancy: 164 apartments boarded up after safety inspections deemed the building uninhabitable.Occupancy: Approximately 8 residents remain, many of whom have lived there for over 30 years.Council Action: Issued eviction notices, scheduled compulsory purchase, and commissioned structural repairs.Financial Implications: Cost of Vacancy and Potential RevenueEstimated repair cost: £12 million to bring the building up to current safety standards.Annual loss of rental income: £1.8 million from the vacant units.Projected market value after refurbishment: £25 million, offering a potential return on investment for the council.Broader Impact: What This Standoff Says About London’s Housing LandscapeThe situation underscores several systemic challenges: the difficulty of repurposing large blocks of social housing, the legal protections afforded to long‑term tenants, and the social cost of leaving entire communities in limbo. It also fuels debate over whether councils should prioritize demolition, refurbishment, or conversion to mixed‑use developments.Looking Ahead: Possible Scenarios for the Tower BlockFull refurbishment: Council secures funding, completes safety upgrades, and re‑lets the apartments, restoring revenue.Partial demolition: Unviable sections are demolished, with remaining parts converted to affordable micro‑units.Continued stalemate: Legal battles prolong vacancy, increasing costs and eroding community cohesion.Stakeholders—including residents, housing advocates, and local officials—are expected to convene a public inquiry within the next six months to decide the block’s fate.

Islamabad and Beijing marked 75 years of diplomatic ties on May 21, 2026, reflecting a relationship forged in shared rivalry with India and reinforced by strategic land swaps, nuclear collaboration, and massive infrastructure projects. While official rhetoric celebrates “iron brothers” and “all‑weather friendship,” analysts argue that structural complementarity, not ideological affinity, has kept the partnership resilient. The 1963 Shaksgam Valley Transfer: Cementing Early Trust In March 1963 Pakistan ceded the 5,180 sq km (2,000 sq mi) Shaksgam Valley to China, a move that gave Beijing control over a strategically sensitive segment of the Karakoram range. The deal, negotiated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as foreign minister, was driven by Pakistan’s desire to counterbalance India after the 1962 Sino‑Indian war. Numbers that Define the Bond: Land, Infrastructure, and Nuclear Milestones 75 years of formal diplomatic relations (1950‑2025). 5,180 sq km of territory transferred in 1963. 3,000 km (1,900 mi) China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) linking Gwadar to Xinjiang. 1998 nuclear tests in Chagai, with documented Chinese technical assistance in the 1970s‑80s. Four‑day state visit by Shehbaz Sharif scheduled for May 23 2026. Strategic Ripple Effects: Regional Power Balance and the US‑China Channel The alliance gave Pakistan a powerful counterweight to India and positioned it as a back‑channel for the 1972 US‑China rapprochement, when Henry Kissinger used a Pakistani flight to Beijing. While the United States benefited from the diplomatic breakthrough, Pakistan received limited material reward, underscoring the asymmetrical nature of great‑power mediation. Economic Integration: CPEC and the Emerging All‑Weather Partnership Since 2015, the CPEC has become the flagship of the partnership, delivering highways, energy projects, and the Gwadar deep‑sea port. Analysts note that the economic dimension has shifted the relationship from a purely security‑driven pact to a multi‑layered interdependence, yet debt sustainability and regional security concerns remain contentious. Looking Forward: Scenarios for the Next Decade of China‑Pakistan Relations Experts anticipate three possible trajectories: Deepening convergence: Expanded defence co‑production and a broader Belt‑and‑Road footprint. Transactional plateau: Continued CPEC maintenance without major new initiatives, as both sides manage domestic pressures. Strategic strain: Escalating India‑China tensions or US policy shifts could force Pakistan to recalibrate its alignment. Regardless of the path, the “iron brothers” narrative will likely persist as a diplomatic shorthand for a partnership that has survived ideological divides and shifting global orders.

Iran Scrutinizes the Latest US Offer Amid Growing Pakistani Diplomatic PushTehran confirmed it has received US views on its peace framework and is currently reviewing them, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. The statement arrives as Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir readies a visit to Tehran, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi makes a second trip in less than a week to discuss the proposal.Key Numbers Shaping the Negotiation LandscapeThe war entered its nearly three‑month phase, with a ceasefire in place for six weeks.Iran’s original demand list comprises 14 points, including control of the Strait of Hormuz, reparations, sanctions relief, frozen‑asset release, and US troop withdrawal.The US naval blockade, launched in mid‑April, has resulted in the boarding of at least five vessels; a recent incident saw a ship searched and redirected by Central Command.Pakistan facilitated the only direct US‑Iran talks in April and now hosts the military chief for “talks and consultations”.Strategic Implications for the Region and Global PowersAnalysts note that Iran has seized the initiative by shifting focus to the strategic chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz rather than its nuclear program, forcing Washington to defend its position. The US, wary of appearing weaker than it was on February 26 when it walked away from talks, is attempting to re‑center the nuclear issue. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warns that any renewed aggression could expand the conflict beyond the region.What Comes Next? Scenarios for a Fragile Peace ProcessProfessor Scott Lucas of University College Dublin predicts a settlement is possible but cautions that President Donald Trump remains unpredictable, keeping the risk of renewed strikes alive. If the US accepts Iran’s 14‑point framework, a durable cease‑fire could emerge, unlocking the Strait for global shipping. Conversely, a failure to bridge gaps may see the blockade intensify and the conflict spill over, drawing in regional actors.

First‑Time Glory on the Horizon: The 2026 World Cup LandscapeThe expanded 48‑team tournament promises more opportunities for nations that have never lifted the trophy. While traditional giants still dominate the conversation, several contenders show the blend of talent and circumstance needed to break the eight‑nation monopoly.Expanded 48‑Team Format and Its Upset‑Friendly DynamicsFIFA’s decision to add 16 extra slots creates a longer group phase and a tougher Round of 32, increasing the chance of surprise results. Host‑nation climates, travel fatigue and higher ticket prices are expected to level the playing field, especially for teams accustomed to navigating harsh conditions.48 teams instead of 32 – 16 new qualifiers.Group stage now features three matches per side, reducing margin for error.Round of 32 introduces an extra knockout round, amplifying the impact of a single upset.Historical Performance and Qualification Stats of the ContendersRecent tournament finishes and qualifying records provide a statistical backdrop for each hopeful:Portugal: 2022 quarter‑finals; Euro 2016 champions; Ronaldo likely playing his final World Cup.Netherlands: 2022 quarter‑finals; unbeaten 27‑4 qualifying record; lacking a prolific striker.Morocco: 2022 fourth place; 2024 African Cup of Nations champions; strong defensive core.Senegal: 2022 round of 16; reigning AFCON champions amid administrative controversy.Japan: Consistent round‑of‑16 finishes (2002‑2022); depth in midfield and emerging talent.Why Traditional Powerhouses May Falter and Dark Horses RiseSeveral factors could undermine the usual suspects:Spain and France carry high expectations but face squad transition issues.Brazil struggled in qualifying, losing six matches, and is still adapting to Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics.Germany lacks a reliable No 9 despite a crop of young talent.Travel and heat in North America could sap the stamina of teams unaccustomed to such conditions.Conversely, the highlighted nations combine experienced leaders with emerging stars, positioning them to exploit any slip‑ups from the favorites.Which Nation Is Poised to Break Through First?Considering squad balance, recent form, and the tournament’s structural quirks, Portugal emerges as the most likely first‑time champion, driven by a cohesive midfield and a solid defensive line that could compensate for Ronaldo’s waning pace. However, the African duo of Morocco and Senegal possess the motivation and tactical discipline to pull off a historic upset, while Japan could leverage its disciplined approach and group‑stage familiarity with North American venues to go further than ever before.

The Road to FIFA World Cup 2026 Egypt's head coach, Hossam Hassan, has announced the preliminary squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Liverpool's Mohamed Salah will lead the team as captain, supported by Manchester City's Omar Marmoush. Squad Selection Highlights The squad includes some notable inclusions and exclusions. Uncapped teenager Hamza Abdelkarim, who plays for Barcelona's under-19 team, has been included in the squad. On the other hand, Nantes forward Mostafa Mohamed has been left out. The Data Behind the Squad Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - Captain Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) - Forward Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona U19) - Forward The Impact of Squad Selection The selection of Hamza Abdelkarim and exclusion of Mostafa Mohamed reflect the team's strategy to blend experience with youth. Mostafa Mohamed's omission is notable, given his recent form struggles with Nantes. The Road Ahead Egypt will play friendly matches against Russia and Brazil before heading to the World Cup. Their campaign begins against Belgium in Seattle on June 15, followed by matches against New Zealand, and Iran. Egypt's Squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly), Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), El Mahdi Soliman (Zamalek), Mohamed Alaa (El Gouna) Defenders: Mohamed Hany (Al Ahly), Tarek Alaa (Zed), Hamdy Fathy (Al Wakrah), Rami Rabia (Al Ain), Yasser Ibrahim (Al Ahly), Hossam Abdelmaguid (Zamalek), Mohamed Abdelmonemn (Nice), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek), Karim Hafez (Pyramids) Midfielders: Marwan Ateya (Al Ahly), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids), Nabil Emad (Al Najma), Mahmoud Saber (Zed), Ahmed Zizo (Al Ahly), Emam Ashour (Al Ahly), Mostafa Ziko (Pyramids), Mahmoud Trezeguet (Al Ahly), Ibrahim Adel (Nordsjaelland), Haissem Hassan (Real Ovideo) Forwards: Omar Marmoush (Manchester City), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Aqtay Abdallah (Enppi), Hamza Abdelkarim (Barcelona U19)

The Historic Triumph in IstanbulAston Villa ended their 30-year trophy drought in style as spectacular goals from Youri Tielemans and Emiliano Buendia inspired a 3-0 win against Freiburg in the Europa League final in Istanbul. Unai Emery's side took the lead late in the first half through Tielemans' thunderous volley, before Buendia increased Villa's advantage with a sublime curler seconds from the half-time whistle. Morgan Rogers' second-half goal finished off the outclassed Germans, sealing Villa's first silverware since the 1996 League Cup and their first major European prize for 44 years.Emery's European MasterclassVilla's long-awaited continental conquest was the latest Europa League masterclass for Emery, who has now won the tournament five times after victories with Sevilla in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and Villarreal in 2021. Emery said this week that he did not feel like the "king" of the Europa League, but his team's coronation received the royal seal of approval from Villa fan Prince William, who was celebrating with about 20,000 ecstatic supporters at Besiktas Stadium. Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, another famous Villa fan, joined the party, sending a good luck message to the team before kickoff.Club Renaissance Under EmeryThe Europa League triumph underlined Villa's impressive renaissance since Emery took charge in October 2022, with the club languishing just three points above the relegation zone. Emery called on his players and the club's hierarchy to match his desire to keep Villa in contention for silverware. "I am myself ambitious and of course I need support. The owners, everyone that works in the club. Development is everything," he said. "The players are following us. We are doing it together. But we must try to set this ambition, being clear and realistic. As a team, ambitious and improving. This is our next step."From Relegation Contenders to European ChampionsIt has been a memorable finish to the campaign for Villa, who sealed qualification for next season's Champions League with a win against Liverpool last week. Villa's success over the last six days would have been impossible to imagine when they started the season with a run of six matches without a win, scoring just twice in that dismal streak. Their maiden win this season came in the Europa League against Bologna, the first of 13 victories in 15 games in the competition that culminated in their ruthless demolition of first-time European finalists Freiburg.A New Era for Villa FootballDespite losing in the UEFA Conference League semifinals in 2024, and the Champions League quarterfinals and FA Cup semifinals last year, Emery was convinced Villa would eventually cast off their "nearly men" tag. The 54-year-old Spaniard's unshakeable faith has been rewarded. "We are getting stronger, but we are trying to be demanding. Next year we will play in the Champions League, and the Premier League is the most difficult in the world. This is the challenge," Emery stated. "It's fantastic. Europe gave us a lot. For myself as well. I'm always very grateful for Europe. For every competition but especially the Europa League."